Stroke Prevention and Risk Factors

If you have ever had a stroke (or stroke warning signs), it is very important that you work with your doctor to determine the most likely cause of the problem and the best course of treatment for you.

Certain medical conditions greatly increase your likelihood of having a stroke or another stroke. Specific medical treatment can control some risk factors. Risk factors include:

Previous stroke or "mini-stroke" (transient ischemic attack, TIA)

High blood pressure

Diabetes

Heart disease

High cholesterol

Smoking

Obesity

Physical inactivity

Excessive alcohol intake

Illegal drug use

Increasing age

Heredity and ethnicity

Gender – women have more strokes than men.

Warning Signs of Stroke

It is very important to recognize the warning signs of stroke and to seek immediate medical attention.

Familiarize yourself with the following important warnings.

Sudden weakness, numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg (especially on one side of the body)

Loss of speech or trouble talking or understanding language

Sudden loss of vision, particularly in only one eye

Sudden, severe headache with no apparent cause

Unexplained dizziness, loss of balance or coordination (especially if associated with any of the above symptoms)

If you or someone you know is having these signs, call 9-1-1 and seek medical help immediately. Treatment is available, but only if a stroke is recognized in time. Do not wait to see if the symptoms go away. Even if the symptoms pass quickly, they could be an important warning that requires prompt medical attention.